Justin Stolarik is stepping down as director of the OU marching band

The director of the Pride of Oklahoma for the past two years, Justin Stolarik, announced Thursday that he is stepping down as director of the University of Oklahoma’s marching band, effective immediately.

OU President David Boren released as statement saying, “I have accepted the decision of Director Stolarik to step aside in order to unify the Pride and maintain its tradition of being one of the greatest bands in America. He has worked hard during his time at OU.”

“I care deeply about the Pride and applaud the tremendous effort of our students. I always wanted them to have a good experience and be exposed to new ideas,” said Solarik in the statement, “The support of my colleagues here and around the country has been gratifying. Expressions of appreciation from students have also been encouraging.”

“I’m committed to doing everything I can to help unify the band and encourage the students’ success,” Stolarik said.
So that the Pride can immediately resume preparations for its upcoming performances, President Boren invited OU alumnus Brian Britt, who successfully led the Pride of Oklahoma for 12 years, to return to the University. Britt brought national recognition to the Pride during his previous service.

“I am extremely happy that Brian Britt has accepted my invitation to return to the University, where he will once again be the director of the Pride of Oklahoma and will also be associate dean of the Weitzenhoffer College of Fine Arts,” Boren said in the release. “Brian has the strongest possible commitment to the Pride of Oklahoma, and his administrative experience will be of great benefit to the entire college as associate dean.

Boren said that Britt will begin work at OU today, meeting with members of the Pride at their rehearsal this afternoon.